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How can you tell if a recording is in mono?

I am listening to an SACD pressing of Coltrane's A Love Supreme. I noticed that the stereo imaging was basically non-existent-- Trane is coming from the left channel, drums from the right, with piano and bass in the middle.

Since I have a preamp with a "mono" switch, I used it, and the sax and drums came right into the center along with the rest of the band. However, the sound lost a lot of its sparkle.

Not really sure what's going on here, and would love input.

Thx
dkidknow

Showing 3 responses by cyclonicman

cyclonicman
693 posts
 
Gawdbless, that could probably work, but it would be easier to just use the balance control on your preamp or receiver.
cyclonicman
693 posts
 
Mono recordings present the same sound from both channels, there is no separation of voices and instruments, it is all unified in the presentation. If you are getting Trane in one channel and drums from the right with piano in the middle, that is stereo. You might have a small soundstage on this recording, but it is definitely a stereo mix.
cyclonicman
693 posts
 
Unfortunately, some of the greatest music recorded was in the "Mono" era. I guess one has to weigh whether it is worth it to listen to a great performance even though the sound quality is not up to snuff.
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